Sarah W. Rose named Chief Impact Officer for United Way of Greater New Bedford

An experienced leader of local non-profit organizations has been named the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s first Chief Impact Officer, the organization’s number two position.

Sarah W. Rose joins United Way from the SouthCoast Community Foundation, where she served as Director of Engagement. She will work in close collaboration with United Way President and CEO, Michelle N. Hantman, to develop and implement strategies which drive the organization’s growth and community engagement.

“This role is focused on maximizing our impact as a funder and provider of vital services. Sarah has the organizational and interpersonal skills that will help us deliver effective new programs and services to benefit more people more effectively in the communities we serve” Ms. Hantman said.

In her new role, Ms. Rose will be responsible for leading United Way’s grantmaking, overseeing several United Way programs, and working with the United Way leadership team, board, and partners to develop new initiatives while helping to secure the financial resources needed to implement them.

“United Way of Greater New Bedford maximizes philanthropy by immediately deploying funds and delivering programs that provide access to health resources, educational opportunity, financial stability, and basic needs, and by acting as a convener to encourage community collaboration. This combination of offerings makes the United Way the ideal platform to drive community investments with transformational results,” Ms. Rose said. “I am thrilled to play a vital role in our endeavors to make our community a better place to live and work.”

Prior to her work with the SouthCoast Community Foundation, Ms. Rose served as Deputy Director for Education and Outreach for the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and as Vice President of Education and Programs for the New Bedford Whaling Museum. She also taught at The Park School in Brookline and worked for the United States Trust Company of New York. Ms. Rose earned a BA from Wheaton College, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business, and MAT from Simmons University. She serves on the boards of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum and Friends Academy.